DEDICATORY EPISTLE

...it seemed The sentence likely began on the previous page, referring to the University being destined for ruin, it might be rescued from destruction, but might also persist unshaken in the future against any onslaughts of unfavorable fortune. From it, as if from a Trojan horse original: "ex equo Trojano"; here used as a positive metaphor for a source from which many champions or great men emerge, men well-trained in every branch of learning might come forth, whose labor in both the Church and the State the Christian world might healthfully use and enjoy. This kindness of Your Highness original: "Cels. Vestrae" will endure through the ages, and no future forgetfulness will ever erase its memory from the minds of men.

Certainly, whatever good or benefit overflows from this Academy into the three hierarchies original: "tres Hierarchias"; in the Lutheran theology of the author, these are the three divinely ordained orders of society: the Church (ecclesiastical), the State (political), and the Household (domestic) by God’s blessing in the future, Your Highness will be able to claim the far greatest share of it as your own by right. Therefore, most illustrious Prince and most glorious Hero, receive with a gracious countenance this small gift of paper, coming from one who rejoices immensely to have been the intermediary and agent original: "proxenetam ac pararium"; Gerhard describes himself as the one who facilitated the patron's support for the university of this most ample benefit, and who professes himself bound and obligated for his whole life to the pious prayers and most humble service of Your Highness for that very reason.

May the most kind God keep Your Highness safe and unharmed for as long as possible, along with your most illustrious spouse and most noble offspring, and may He most abundantly grant you everything that a man, a Christian, and a Prince could ever pray for. At Jena, on the Calends of January January 1st at the start of the year 1634; for which a most happy course is heartily prayed for on behalf of all good people by